27 Outdoor Heating Ideas to Keep Your Garden Warm All Year
As the days slowly get shorter and the nights grow cooler, ideas for outdoor heating become a priority for many. Most homeowners aren’t ready to pack up and abandon their gardens as the seasons start to shift and the first signs of autumn appear - and rightfully so. If you’re planning an evening family BBQ or a night enjoying a glass of wine with friends around the garden table, the proper outdoor heating will help extend the usability of your garden well into the cooler months.
So, what exactly is the secret to making your patio as inviting as your living room? Which is the best option for you and your outdoor space? Read on as we explore 27 outdoor heating ideas in the UK to suit every style and budget and keep you warm and stylish long after the sun sets.
What outdoor heating options are there?
Outdoor heating ideas in the UK are all about keeping the good times rolling in your garden or patio, no matter the weather.
If you want to create a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for everything from hosting weekend barbeques to relaxing with a book in the evening, here are some of the most popular outdoor heating options to consider:
Fire pits: Fire pits are the classic choice for creating outdoor warmth and a soft, calming ambience. Available in various styles, from rustic wood-burning models to convenient gas designs, they’re ideal for gatherings and marshmallow roasting sessions with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine.
Patio heaters: These come in many shapes and sizes, from freestanding to tabletop models. Ideal for delivering targeted heat to your outdoor seating area, patio heaters are a stylish way to keep the chill at bay and work particularly well on patios or under pergolas.
Lanterns: Perfect for small spaces or adding a romantic touch, lanterns are compact heaters that provide a gentle glow and warmth for cosy evenings. Doubling up as beautiful décor, outdoor lanterns are a lovely addition to any outdoor setup.
Wall-mounted heaters: Great for utilising space in smaller areas, like balconies, narrow patios or gardens, these heaters provide warmth without taking up premium floor space.
Before investing in outdoor heating, here are a few important things to consider:
Energy efficiency: Look for heaters that provide the most warmth for the least amount of energy. Infrared heaters and efficient gas burners are good options to stay toasty without inflating your energy bill.
Fuel type: Common choices include electricity, gas and wood.
Gas heaters offer strong heat output and a real flame, while electric heaters are often easier to install and maintain. If convenience is a priority, consider gas or electric models; if you love the ritual of building a fire, wood might be the better option, but will need to be cleaned after each use.
Maintenance: Think about how much upkeep you're willing to commit to. Gas and electric models tend to be more low-maintenance while wood-burning fire pits need regular ash removal and storage considerations. Opt for weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium, or ceramic for longevity.
Safety: Always follow manufacturer guidelines, especially in smaller spaces. Place heaters on flat, stable surfaces away from flammable materials, and consider heat guards or screens if children or pets will be nearby.
Cost: Factor in both the upfront and long-term running costs. Fire pits and chimineas often have lower entry costs but require fuel compared to electric and gas heaters, which may cost more initially but offer cleaner and more efficient heat over time.
27 outdoor heating ideas
1. Create new traditions around the fire pit
Every heart-warming tradition begins with a first. Being intentional about how you spend time with family and friends allows you to mark special times and create memories you’ll be glad you didn’t miss.
Implement the tradition of sitting around the crackle of a fire pit, sharing stories, bonding and roasting marshmallows under the stars. Whether you choose a rustic wood-burning model or a sleek and modern gas design, a fire pit creates an inviting ambience that keeps the conversation flowing.
When you make sitting by a fire in the fresh outdoor air a tradition for bank holidays, family game nights or birthdays, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
2. Add tabletop lanterns for romantic date nights
Höfats SPIN 1200 Tabletop Fireplace Black - £189.00
Dinner by candlelight might be a go-to option for setting the scene for romance, but it doesn’t quite cut it during colder months. Until now, that is. When the temperatures drop, tabletop lanterns come to the rescue, allowing you to enjoy al fresco dinner dates without sacrificing warmth or ambience.
Casting a soft, flickering glow, tabletop lanterns create a warm, beautiful flame to extend your al fresco dining options throughout the year. Enhance the romance with privacy-enhancing garden screens for the ultimate, intimate date night.
3. Add a masonry BBQ for grilling and fireplace flexibility
Buschbeck St Moritz Masonry Barbecue - £669.99
Why settle for just one outdoor heating solution when you can have two in one? A masonry BBQ offers the dual benefits of a grilling station and a cosy fireplace, ensuring your outdoor soirees are warm and delicious. Featuring a timeless stone aesthetic, masonry BBQs also make beautiful centrepieces to gather around and are perfect for cooking up a feast or simply enjoying the glow of the fire.
Add some comfortable outdoor sofas with cushions and blankets or a stylish dining set, and get ready for endless barbeque nights and fireside chats.
4. Create a year-round gathering space
PergoSTET Plus 4m x 4m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Latte - £5,249.00
Gathering around a heat source is a tale as old as time. But, while we might not be able to build traditional open fires in our gardens anymore, we can still capture that timeless feeling.
Ensure comfort in every season by incorporating stylish outdoor heating solutions like modern patio heaters paired with comfortable lounge sets and outdoor rugs. If you’re a fan of an open flame, convenient fire pit dining tables and bars will let you create a warm and inviting ambience in an instant.
With Harbour Lifestyle’s wide range of stylish garden furniture, you can design the perfect space to enjoy year-round with your loved ones.
5. Choose sleek patio heaters for minimalist design
Bromic Platinum Electric Recess Kit For 2300W - £445.00
Gone are the days of ugly, clunky and difficult-to-use heaters. If you prefer elegant and contemporary aesthetics, sleek patio heaters offer the perfect blend of form and function.
They are great outdoor patio heating ideas for modern homes and minimalist outdoor spaces, ensuring your space remains clutter-free and visually appealing. Choose from wall-mounted models or freestanding units, depending on your layout and heating needs.
6. Keep the heat with a pergola
Providing protection from the elements, a pergola creates an outdoor living space perfect for relaxing, entertaining, dining or working outside while retaining heat from your fire pit table or pergola heater.
This architectural structure creates an extra room, extending your living space into the garden and maximising the time you can enjoy outdoors. Add comfortable sofas adorned with plush cushions and blankets, a coffee table to put your mug of hot tea on and a rug to keep your feet warm.
When bad weather strikes, your pergola will transform into a cosy outdoor sanctuary where you can unwind and enjoy the soothing sound of the famous British rain. For more inspiration, check out our article on modern pergola ideas.
7. Explore affordable outdoor heating ideas, like lanterns and patio heaters
Cosibrixx 60 Concrete Fire Pit - £549.00
Creating a warm and inviting outdoor space doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Cheap outdoor heating ideas like lanterns and portable patio heaters can transform your garden into a cosy retreat when the temperatures drop without compromising style.
Lanterns offer a gentle, glowing ambience and warmth, perfect for smaller gatherings or romantic dinners, while compact patio heaters are easy to use and provide heating without a hefty price tag.
8. Use trees strategically when planning your space
Luna Deluxe Outdoor Fabric Square Corner Dining Set with Rising Table in Oyster Grey - £3,999
Nature's beautiful canopy can be crucial in planning your outdoor living space. In the summer months, trees create shade for a cooler, more comfortable seating area outside, away from the sun's intense heat. In the cooler seasons, trees can provide insulation and protection from chilly winds, keeping warmer air in.
Use your tree canopy to your advantage, pairing it with outdoor shade solutions and heating or fire pit options to create a cosy nook that looks beautiful and feels protected and inviting.
9. Bring the pizza, bring the heat
Juno Pro 16" Gas Pizza Oven - £349
A pizza oven is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to add warmth and flavour to your outdoor garden parties and mid-week dinners. Helping you create restaurant-quality pizzas and more in your own home, these ovens are an essential addition to any outdoor kitchen and a great source of heat.
Helping you create a cosy al fresco cooking space with minimal effort, a pizza oven also functions as a central gathering spot for making fun memories in your garden. Enjoy crafting and serving delicious homemade pizzas, and watch your guests swoon over their choice of toppings.
10. Create a quiet, cosy space with patio heaters
Bromic Eclipse Smart-Heat™ Portable - £3,679.00
Enjoying some downtime in the garden is one of life’s little pleasures. Whether you love listening to calming birdsong or love nothing more than getting lost in a good book, a patio heater will extend the months you can enjoy your garden to the fullest.
Position patio heaters near a comfortable lounge set with a coffee table and outdoor rug to create a cosy space for reading, relaxing or sipping a delicious cup of hot coffee. With various options available, from wall-mounted models to compact tabletop fire pits, you can easily achieve a relaxing set-up, whether your garden is big or small.
11. Bring Art Deco style to your outdoor space
Pello Deluxe Curved Sofa Set with Round Coffee Table in Fawn - £4,499
Your garden is an extension of your home, and your personality doesn't have to stop at the back door. Elevate your garden with the timeless elegance of Art Deco style, mixing geometric patterns, circular shapes and curves, rich colours and bold design.
Incorporate outdoor heaters with sleek lines and metallic finishes to capture the era's opulence while providing warmth. Fire pits with intricate details or patio heaters in bold hues will add a touch of glamour to the garden.
Mixing glass, metal, and wood fire pits and dining sets allows you to blend classic styles for a sophisticated look reminiscent of old-world Paris and Miami’s trendy South Beach. Complement your heaters with Art Deco-inspired furniture and decorative elements like mirrors and sculpture to bring it all together.
12. Change your perspective with hanging lights
Höfats SPIN 120 Hanging Fire in Silver - £169.99
You might think your space isn’t ideal for outdoor heating, lighting or cooking, especially if your patio is small or you have children to consider. However, most spaces can be easily transformed with a bit of creativity—all you need to do is change your perspective.
Use hanging lights to create a warm glow and suspend them over seating areas or weave them through trees and shrubs to add depth and create an inviting atmosphere. Combine them with wall-mounted heaters to get the warmth of cooler days and nights while freeing up room for additional seating or decorative elements.
13. Enjoy al fresco dining year-round
Pello 8 Seat Rectangular Ceramic Firepit Dining Set in Fawn - £3,999
Why wait for a holiday to enjoy the pleasures of open-air dining when you can recreate the al fresco vibes of European cafes and restaurants right in your own garden?
With the latest garden heating options, including patio heaters, pergola heaters, fire pit dining tables and bar sets, you can savour outdoor meals year-round. Elegant fire pit tables allow you to enjoy your morning coffee in the crisp autumn air or host winter dinner parties with friends without worrying about the cold.
14. Choose stylish and functional outdoor heating options
Cosipillow Heated Rectangular Cushion in Teddy - £99.99
Why choose between style and substance when you can have both? With today's outdoor heating options, including wooden and glass pillar lanterns and gas patio heaters, you can stay warm without sacrificing the style of your garden.
Whether you're into sleek modern designs or rustic, vintage-inspired pieces, there's a heater out there that will fit your vibe like a glove. Look for features like adjustable heat settings, portability and energy efficiency to keep things cosy and eco-friendly.
15. Utilise wall-mounted heating solutions in compact outdoor areas
Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat™ Electric 2000W in Black - £849.99
Got a patio that's more "cosy nook" than "sprawling estate"? No worries—wall-mounted heaters provide the same warmth as a free-standing heater without taking up precious floor space.
They are a great option for patios, balconies or long, narrow gardens, freeing up room to add that corner sofa or dining set you’ve been eyeing. Helping your space feel larger and more inviting, wall-mounted heaters prove that great things do indeed come in small packages.
16. Illuminate your garden with fire lanterns
Luxor Floor Outdoor and Indoor Solar Lantern In Teak - £125.00
With fire lanterns, you can enjoy a magical outdoor environment that feels intimate and inviting, perfect for drawing friends and family together for evening gatherings or quiet nights on the patio.
Available in various styles, from sleek and contemporary metal lanterns to rustic and traditional wooden designs, fire lanterns serve as unique décor pieces, complementing any garden furniture.
Their portability allows you to move them around easily, adapting to different occasions and layouts. Arrange them around seating areas or as table centrepieces to enhance your garden's atmosphere and help bring out your personal style.
17. Explore cheap outdoor heating ideas like DIY fire pits
Cosi - Cosiloft 100 White and Teak Fire Pit Table - £799.00
A DIY fire pit can be an affordable and satisfying project if you're feeling hands-on. Use bricks, stones or a metal bowl to build your own centrepiece, then surround it with comfortable seating and soft lighting for a cosy aesthetic. It will keep everyone warm and give your garden a personal touch that store-bought models can't match.
18. Discover the warmth and convenience of gas fire pits
Luna 3 Seat Outdoor Fabric Sofa Set with Rising Firepit Table in Grey - £4,149.00
If you love the look of a fire without the faff of wood and smoke, gas fire pits are a brilliant option. They light at the touch of a button, burn cleanly and give off consistent heat—ideal for spontaneous garden get-togethers or late-night chats. Look for built-in storage or fire pit tables if you’re after something extra practical.
19. Layer warmth with outdoor rugs to retain heat
Athena 270cm Round Weatherproof Indoor and Outdoor Rug in Shale Grey - £139.00
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but an outdoor rug is a low-effort way to make your garden feel warmer and more inviting. Adding an instant injection of texture and style, rugs help trap heat, especially on cold stone or decking.
Choose a patterned or colourful rug to add interest and energy or a light, neutral option if calm and minimalism are more your thing. Opt for weather-resistant material for longevity and pair it with a fire pit, coffee table and some plush seating to complete your outdoor living room.
20. Enjoy dual-function heating with a fire pit dining table
Monterrey 8 Seat Rope Rectangular Teak Firepit Dining Set in Grey - £4,099.00
Fire pit dining tables add warmth, light and style to your garden in one beautifully designed piece. They create a natural gathering point where guests can sit back, relax and enjoy the flicker of flames while dinner is served.
Perfect for cooler evenings, these tables let you stay outdoors for longer without piling on the layers, and many come with sleek, easy-to-clean ceramic tops and adjustable flames, so you can dial up the heat or tone it down depending on the mood or weather.
21. Enhance privacy and warmth with ivy-covered walls for natural insulation
Looking to make your outdoor space feel a little more enclosed and cosy? Try growing climbing ivy or other leafy plants along fences or walls. These natural barriers help block cold winds and trap warmth from nearby heaters or fire pits. Bonus points for the extra greenery, they add character and privacy while making your garden feel like a snug hideaway, even in the cooler months.
22. Keep the heat in with windbreaks
Even a gentle breeze can cool things down quickly, especially in the evening. That’s where windbreaks come in. Whether it’s a glass panel, a row of tall planters, or a trellis with climbing plants, a well-placed barrier can shield your space and help trap warmth where you want it most. Great for making your garden feel more private and sheltered, windbreakers turn open patios into cosy retreats that feel more like an outdoor room.
23. Explore stylish bar heater options
Pacific Lifestyle - Cylinder Patio Heater in Black - £319.99
A chilly breeze shouldn’t be the reason your evening winds down early. The right heater keeps the atmosphere warm and the conversation flowing. These premium, slimline designs are built for sociable spaces—fitting neatly beside dining tables or bar sets while giving off generous, adjustable heat. Pick one with a sleek finish to match your outdoor furniture.
24. Choose stylish privacy screens to create seclusion while protecting you from the elements
Luna 8 Seat Outdoor Fabric Rectangular Ceramic Firepit Dining Set in Oyster Grey - £3,999
Privacy screens are great for blocking prying eyes, keeping out draughts and making your garden feel more enclosed. Available in everything from wood and rattan to laser-cut metal panels, they add structure and style to your layout.
Place one behind your seating area to cut the chill and create a cosier, more intimate atmosphere. You can even train climbing plants or hang lights from them to bring in extra colour and texture.
25. Add heated seating for built-in warmth and comfort
Cosi - Cosipouf Heated Tall Comfort in Teddy - £224.99
Why warm the air when you can warm your seat? Heated garden benches and sofas are fast becoming a must-have for outdoor lounging. Cleverly designed with discreet heating elements tucked into the cushions or frames, heated seating gives you instant warmth the moment you settle in.
If you don’t want to commit to heated outdoor furniture, why not invest in some heated cushions and pouffes instead? It’s a luxury touch that makes all the difference on chilly evenings and lets you enjoy your space in comfort long after the sun goes in.
26. Install recessed floor heaters for a seamless, modern look
Pacific Lifestyle - Quadrilateral Patio Heater in Black - £369.99
If you love a clean and contemporary outdoor aesthetic, recessed floor heaters subtly warm things up without taking up space.
Installed directly into decking or patio flooring, they radiate heat upwards and are great for keeping toes toasty on cooler evenings. Perfect for compact terraces or minimalist garden layouts, they blend in beautifully and let your furniture and fire features take centre stage and do all the talking.
27. Use heat-retaining materials like stone or brick to trap warmth
Paia 3 Seat Sofa Set in Linen - £1,749.00
Natural materials like brick, stone and concrete absorb heat during the day and release it slowly as the temperature drops. That means your patio, garden wall, or built-in seating area can help keep the chill off well into the evening. Add a fire pit or lanterns, and you’ll boost the comfort and add layers of texture and charm to your space without any extra effort.
What is the best form of outdoor heating?
Choosing the best form of outdoor heating depends on what works for your garden and your lifestyle. Some setups call for the soft glow and head-turning charm of a fire pit, while others benefit more from the convenience of a sleek patio heater or the ambience of flickering lanterns. If entertaining is more your thing, a fire pit dining table or bar heater adds extra warmth and atmosphere to long evenings outside.
Ready to warm things up? Explore Harbour Lifestyle’s collection of outdoor heaters, fire pits, and weather-ready furniture to find everything you need to stay cosy and comfortable, whatever the forecast.
FAQs
What’s the best outdoor heater for a small patio?
Wall-mounted and tabletop heaters are ideal for smaller patios or balconies. They save floor space, deliver focused warmth, and still look stylish in compact outdoor setups.
Can I use a fire pit on decking or grass?
Yes, but always use a fire-resistant mat or platform to protect your surface. Look for gas fire pits with enclosed flames or consider fire pit tables with built-in bases for safer use on wood or turf.
Are gas fire pits better than wood-burning ones?
Gas fire pits are cleaner, easier to light, and offer consistent heat with less smoke. Wood fire pits give off a classic campfire feel and smell but need more setup and clean-up.
What outdoor heating is safe around kids and pets?
Choose electric patio heaters or gas fire pits with flame guards and safety shut-offs. Avoid open wood fires in unsupervised areas. Heated seating and lanterns also offer safer, low-risk warmth.
How can I heat my garden without electricity?
Gas heaters, fire pits, chimineas, and solar-powered heating options let you warm your outdoor space without plugging in. They’re perfect for off-grid areas or reducing energy use.
Can outdoor heaters be left outside all year?
Many modern outdoor heaters are weather-resistant, but covering them during heavy rain or winter extends their lifespan. Look for rust-proof materials and store portable models when not in use.
What are some stylish ways to heat an outdoor space?
Stylish heating options include fire pit dining tables, Art Deco-inspired patio heaters, sleek wall-mounted panels, and lanterns that double as décor. These not only keep your garden warm but also elevate its look year-round.
Can a pergola help keep heat in the garden?
Yes, pergolas act as semi-sheltered outdoor rooms, trapping warmth from fire pits or heaters. Add rugs, throws and privacy screens to enhance insulation and create a cosy year-round retreat.
Are there budget-friendly garden heating ideas?
Definitely, affordable options include tabletop fire lanterns, portable patio heaters, DIY fire pits, and heat-retaining materials like brick and stone. These low-cost ideas still create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
